Systems and methods for providing an interactive information workspace

ABSTRACT

A method, computer readable medium and system for providing an interactive desktop and/or browser-based information workspace (or “playground”) includes obtaining at a workspace management processing system a selection of one or more condensed information objects and one or more of application tools. A customized interactive workspace for non-video game based information in a video game display graphical user interface format is provided to the computing system from the workspace management processing system based on a default interactive workspace populated with the selected one or more condensed information objects and one or more application tools. The customized interactive workspace is configured to enable at least one of the one or more application tools to act upon, affect or interact with at least one of the one or more condensed information objects from within the customized interactive workspace and the customized interactive workspace.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/051,998, filed May 9, 2008, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to methods and system for interacting with andmanipulating information, such as financial information or sportinformation.

BACKGROUND

For a large number of individuals the Internet has become one of theprimary sources for information, ranging from financial to sporting newsand data. This information can be very helpful to users providing themwith necessary data to make a variety of short and long term decisions.Unfortunately, the volume of available data on the Internet is growingexponentially and the format in which it is provided is oftencomplicated, confusing, and static. As a result, individuals sometimefail to identify and analyze the most pertinent information for theirshort and long term decisions.

SUMMARY

A method for providing an interactive information workspace (or“playground”) in accordance with embodiments of the present inventionincludes obtaining at a workspace management processing system aselection of one or more condensed information objects and one or moreapplication tools. A customized interactive workspace for non-video gamebased information in a video game display graphical user interfaceformat is provided to the computing system from the workspace managementprocessing system based on a default interactive workspace that providesa frame and includes the selected one or more condensed informationobjects and one or more application tools. The customized interactiveworkspace is configured to enable at least one of the one or moreapplication tools to interact with at least one of the one or morecondensed information objects from within the customized interactiveworkspace and the customized interactive workspace.

A computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions forproviding an interactive information workspace comprising machineexecutable code which when executed by at least one processor, causesthe processor to perform steps including obtaining at a workspacemanagement processing system a selection of one or more condensedinformation objects and one or more application tools. A customizedinteractive workspace for non-video game based information in a videogame display graphical user interface format is provided to thecomputing system from the workspace management processing system basedon a default interactive workspace populated with the selected one ormore condensed information objects and one or more application tools.The customized interactive workspace is configured to enable at leastone of the one or more application tools to interact with at least oneof the one or more condensed information objects from within thecustomized interactive workspace and the customized interactiveworkspace.

An interactive information provider system in accordance with otherembodiments of the present invention includes a customization system anda processing system at a computing system. The customization systemobtains a selection of one or more condensed information objects and oneor more of application tools. The workspace processing system provides acustomized interactive workspace for non-video game based information ina video game display graphical user interface format based on a defaultinteractive workspace populated with the selected one or more condensedinformation objects and the selected one or more analytic tools, thecustomized interactive workspace is configured to enable at least one ofthe selected one or more analytic tools to interact with at least one ofthe selected one or more condensed information objects from within thecustomized interactive workspace and the customized interactiveworkspace.

A method for interacting with and manipulating information in accordancewith other embodiments of the present invention includes displaying atleast one interactive customizable workspace for non-video game basedinformation in a video game display format. One or more informationobjects are provided and contained in the customized interactiveworkspace. At least one action is performed on at least one of theuser-selected information objects and the customized interactiveworkspace via at least one of an application tool and a featureoperation. The customized interactive workspace is displayed based onresults of the performed action on the at least one of the informationobjects.

A computer readable medium in accordance with other embodiments of thepresent invention includes having stored thereon instructions formethods for interacting with and manipulating information comprisingmachine executable code which when executed by at least one processor,causes the processor to perform steps including displaying at least oneinteractive customizable workspace for non-video game based informationin a video game display graphical user interface format. One or moreinformation objects are provided and contained in the customizedinteractive workspace. At least one action is performed on at least oneof the information objects via at least one of an application tool and afeature operation. The customized interactive workspace is displayedbased on results of the performed action on the at least one of theinformation objects.

A system that interacts with and manipulates information in accordancewith other embodiments of the present invention includes a displaysystem and an interaction processing system in a computing system. Thedisplay system displays one or more selected information objects in aninteractive customizable workspace for non-video game based informationin a video game display graphical user interface format. The interactionprocessing system performs at least one action on at least one of theinformation objects via at least one of an application tool and afeature operation. The display system displays the interactivecustomizable workspace based on the performed action on the at least oneof the information objects.

The present invention provides a number of advantages includingproviding a more effective method, computer readable medium and systemfor interacting with and manipulating information in a customizedinteractive workspace modeled through a video game metaphor and thatprovides a frame and a container for information objects. For example,with the present invention financial information, such as in-depthinformation on stocks and mutual funds, is much easier to search,understand, manipulate, share, and analyze to enhance the efficiency andease of use from within one single, integrated system modeled through avideo game-metaphor. Additionally, the present invention provides thisinteraction with information in a much more graphical and intuitivemanner through a type of graphical user interface that offers graphicalicons, and visual indicators. As a result, with the present inventionindividuals are not only able to easily obtain and interact withinformation they need, but are motivated to do so because of the easewith which the present invention represents and makes this informationavailable to them. Further, the present invention provides a method forinteracting with information that may include one or more of tools thatact upon information objects, user-directed controls, full screengraphics, instant or real-time communication with peer computingsystems, information overlays, instant or real-time feedback, userprofiles, displayed performance results measured against metrics, and amodern, unique and user friendly graphical user interface (GUI).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information management system inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for generating a customizedinteractive workspace (the “playground”) in a video game display formatfor interacting with and manipulating information in accordance withembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary default or initial workspace;

FIG. 4 is a screen shot of entering data in a user profile associatedwith an exemplary customized interactive workspace;

FIG. 5 is a screen shot of searching for information objects from anexemplary customized interactive workspace;

FIG. 6 is a screen shot of an exemplary customized interactive workspacepopulated with information objects;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for interacting with information in acustomized interactive workspace in a video game display formataccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a screen shot of moving and selecting information objects inthe exemplary customized interactive workspace;

FIG. 9 is a screen shot of organizing information objects in theexemplary customized interactive workspace;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are screen shots of initiating information objects anddisplaying the information encapsulated in the objects in the exemplarycustomized interactive workspace;

FIG. 11 is a screen shot of grouping information objects together intolists in the exemplary customized interactive workspace;

FIG. 12 is a screen shot of browsing related information objects in theexemplary customized interactive workspace;

FIG. 13 is a screen shot of navigating the exemplary customizedinteractive workspace using a navigation map;

FIG. 14 is a screen shot of applying an analytic tool to an informationobject and displaying the results of this action in the exemplarycustomized interactive workspace;

FIG. 15 is a screen shot of exemplary results of applying the analytictool to an information object in the exemplary customized interactiveworkspace; and

FIG. 16 is a screen shot of connecting with other user computing systemsand sharing information objects with peers in the exemplary customizedinteractive workspace.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information management system 10 in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. By way of example only,the information managements system 10 illustrated and described hereinis utilized with interacting with and manipulating financialinformation, although the system can be used with other types andamounts of information, such as non-video game information by way ofexample only. The information management system 10 includes a pluralityof user computing systems 12(1)-12(n), a plurality of object informationprovider systems 14(1)-14(n), a workspace management processing system16, and a communication network 18, although the system can includeother numbers and types of systems, devices, equipment, parts,components, and/or elements in other configurations. The presentinvention provides a number of advantages including providing a moreeffective method, computer readable medium and system for interactingwith for information in a customized interactive workspace configured ina video game display graphical user interface format.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 1, each of the plurality of usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n) enables a user to access and interact withone or more interactive desktop and/or browser-based workspaces orworkspaces, although other numbers and types of systems could be usedfor interacting with one or more interactive workspaces. A variety ofdifferent types of users computing system may utilize the presentinvention, such as an investment management computing system by way ofexample only. A workspace or “playground” is a virtual desktop and/orbrowser-based interactive space that contains content and informationobjects that can be acted upon by application tools, although theworkspace can contain other types and amounts of data. In theseembodiments, the workspace organizes information in a video game displaygraphical user interface format, although other types of formats couldbe used. A graphical user interface (GUI) is a type of user interfacethat offers graphical icons, and visual indicators, as opposed totext-based interfaces, typed command labels or text navigation to fullyrepresent the information and actions available to a user. In theseembodiments, actions are usually performed through direct manipulationof the graphical elements, although actions can be performed in othermanners. The graphical user interface provides a platform a user caninteract with for the tasks of gathering and producing information. Avideo game display format graphical user interface is a graphical userinterface which includes information objects, full screen graphics,tools that affect objects, user directed control, instant communicationwith peers, information overlay, instant feedback, user profiles,multiple levels that require and help operators to advance in knowledgeand skill, and performance measurements against metrics, although avideo game display graphical user interface formats can include othernumbers and types of aspects in other greater or lesser combinations ofthese elements. With respect to the different levels, in theseembodiments the customized interactive workspace is adjusted orcustomized to have information objects, tools and other items displayedand accessible based on a determined level of skill of the operator andmay optionally provide additional information objects, tools and otheritems, although the customized interactive workspace can be adjusted inother manners based on the skill level. The video game format for thecustomizable interactive workspace provides a more graphical, intuitiveand user-friendly type of graphical user interface that offers graphicalicons, visual indicators and levels based on experience of the operator.In contrast, prior displays for information typically are modeled afterless intuitive and less user friendly print media of simple columns androws.

An information object comprises a computer interface element that is avisual front to the underlying data other information that it representsand encapsulates. The information object visually represents theinformation or other data as an independent user interface componentthat displays basic characteristics, such as an attribute-like name orattribute-like price, of the information it encapsulates. Onecharacteristic or other attribute of the information that an informationobject represents is that it can vary in real time based upon changes todata received from one of the information provider systems 14(1)-14(n)via a communications network 18, although it can have other numbers andtypes of characteristics. A variety of different types of actions can beperformed on information objects including: searching; adding andremoving; moving, dragging and dropping; initiating opening and closing;sending and receiving from peers; analyzing (e.g. comparing); storing;altering; grouping (to create lists); and browsing related informationobjects, although other types and numbers of action could be performedon the information objects.

In these embodiments, application tools depend and act on informationobjects, although other types and numbers of tools and tools which donot depend on any objects or locate, display and create specificinformation objects can be used. Additionally, in these embodiments thetools can be contextual based on the information objects in thecustomized interactive workspace, although one or more of the tools maynot depend on any information object. A feature operation is an actionwhich can be executed on the customized interactive workspace, such aschanging background graphics, font size or screen size by way ofexample, although other types and numbers of feature operations can beexecuted.

Each of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or processor, a memory, user input device, adisplay, and an interface system, and which are coupled together by abus or other link, although each of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n) can include other numbers and types of components, parts,devices, systems, and elements in other configurations. The processor ineach of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) executes a program ofstored instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention asdescribed and illustrated herein, although the processor could executeother numbers and types of programmed instructions.

The memory in each of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) storesthese programmed instructions for one or more aspects of the presentinvention as described and illustrated herein, although some or all ofthe programmed instructions could be stored and/or executed elsewhere. Avariety of different types of memory storage devices, such as a randomaccess memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) in the system or afloppy disk, hard disk, CD ROM, or other computer readable medium whichis read from and/or written to by a magnetic, optical, or other readingand/or writing system that is coupled to one or more processors, can beused for the memory in each of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n).

The user input device in each of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n)is used to input selections, such as requests for an action or operationor requests for an analysis with an application tool, although the userinput device could be used to input other types of data and actions andinteract with other elements. The user input device can include acomputer keyboard and a computer mouse, although other types and numbersof user input devices can be used, such as (but not limited to) a videogame console controller, a mobile communications device keyboard, and aTV remote controller. The display in each of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n) is used to show the one or more interactive customizableworkspaces in one or more windows, although other types and amounts ofinformation can be displayed in other manners. The display can include acomputer or mobile communications device display screen, such as a CRTor LCD screen, although other types and numbers of displays could beused.

The interface system in each of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n)is used to operatively couple and communicate between each of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n) and each of the information providersystems 14(1)-14(n) along with the workspace management processingsystem 16 via the communications network 18, although other types andnumbers of communication networks or systems with other types andnumbers of connections and configurations can be used. By way of exampleonly, the communication network can use TCP/IP over Ethernet andindustry-standard protocols, including SOAP, XML, LDAP, and SNMP,although other types and numbers of communication networks, such as adirect connection, a local area network, a wide area network, modems andphone lines, e-mail, and wireless communication technology, each havingtheir own communications protocols, can be used.

Each of the information provider systems 14(1)-14(n) provides by way ofexample financial information objects, event/news information objects,product information objects, and/or personal information objects,although other numbers and types of systems and other numbers and typesof information, such as sports information, can be provided. Informationis represented in the form of information objects that can bemanipulated on and between workspaces, although the information can bein other formats. Each of the information provider systems 14(1)-14(n)includes a central processing unit (CPU) or processor, a memory, and aninterface system which are coupled together by a bus or other link,although other numbers and types of components, parts, devices, systems,and elements in other configurations and locations can be used. Theprocessor in each of the information provider systems 14(1)-14(n)executes a program of stored instructions for one or more aspects of thepresent invention as described and illustrated by way of the embodimentsherein, although the processor could execute other numbers and types ofprogrammed instructions.

The memory in each of the information provider systems 14(1)-14(n)stores these programmed instructions for one or more aspects of thepresent invention as described and illustrated herein, although some orall of the programmed instructions could be stored and/or executedelsewhere. A variety of different types of memory storage devices, suchas a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) in thesystem or a floppy disk, hard disk, CD ROM, DVD ROM, or other computerreadable medium which is read from and/or written to by a magnetic,optical, or other reading and/or writing system that is coupled to theprocessor, can be used for the memory in each of the informationprovider systems 14(1)-14(n).

The interface system in each of the information provider systems14(1)-14(n) is used to operatively couple and communicate between eachof the information provider systems 14(1)-14(n) and each of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n) along with the workspace managementprocessing system 16 via the communications network, although othertypes and numbers of communication networks or systems with other typesand numbers of connections and configurations can be used.

The workspace management processing system 16 generates and provides atleast one multiple customized interactive workspaces based on a storeddefault interactive workspace populated with selected informationobjects and selected application tools, although the customizedinteractive workspace can provide other types and numbers of functionsand other numbers and types and numbers of processing systems can beused.

The workspace management processing system 16 includes a centralprocessing unit (CPU) or processor, a memory, and an interface systemwhich are coupled together by a bus or other link, although othernumbers and types of components, parts, devices, systems, and elementsin other configurations and locations can be used. The processor in theworkspace management processing system 16 executes a program of storedinstructions for one or more aspects of the present invention asdescribed and illustrated by way of the embodiments herein, although theprocessor could execute other numbers and types of programmedinstructions.

The memory in the workspace management processing system 16 stores theseprogrammed instructions for one or more aspects of the present inventionas described and illustrated herein, although some or all of theprogrammed instructions could be stored and/or executed elsewhere. Avariety of different types of memory storage devices, such as a randomaccess memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) in the system or afloppy disk, hard disk, CD ROM, DVD ROM, or other computer readablemedium which is read from and/or written to by a magnetic, optical, orother reading and/or writing system that is coupled to the processor,can be used for the memory in the workspace management processing system16.

The interface system in the workspace management processing system 16 isused to operatively couple and communicate between the workspacemanagement processing system 16 and each of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n) along with each of the information provider systems14(1)-14(n) via the communications network 18, although other types andnumbers of communication networks or systems with other types andnumbers of connections and configurations can be used.

Although embodiments of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n),information provider systems 14(1)-14(n), and the workspace managementprocessing system 16 are described herein, each of these systems can beadapted to and implemented on any suitable computer system or computingdevice. It is to be understood that the devices and systems of theembodiments described herein are for exemplary purposes, as manyvariations of the specific hardware and software used to implement theembodiments are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in therelevant art(s).

Furthermore, each of the systems of the embodiments may be convenientlyadapted and implemented using one or more general purpose computersystems, microprocessors, digital signal processors, andmicro-controllers, programmed according to the teachings of theembodiments, as described and illustrated herein, and as will beappreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art.

In addition, two or more computing systems or devices can be substitutedfor any one of the systems in any embodiment of the embodiments.Accordingly, principles and advantages of distributed processing, suchas redundancy and replication also can be implemented, as desired, toincrease the robustness and performance of the devices and systems ofthe embodiments. The embodiments may also be implemented on computersystem or systems that extend across any suitable network using anysuitable interface mechanisms and communications technologies, includingby way of example only telecommunications in any suitable form (e.g.,voice and modem), wireless communications media, wireless communicationsnetworks, cellular communications networks, G3 communications networks,Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTNs), Packet Data Networks (PDNs),the Internet, intranets, and combinations thereof.

The embodiments may also be embodied as a computer readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon for one or more aspects of thepresent invention as described and illustrated by way of the embodimentsherein, as described herein, which when executed by a processor, causethe processor to carry out the steps necessary to implement the methodsof the embodiments, as described and illustrated herein.

A method for generating a customized interactive workspace in a videogame display graphical user interface format for interacting withinformation in accordance with embodiments of the present invention willnow be described below with reference to FIGS. 1-6. Referring morespecifically to FIG. 2, in step 100 an operator at one of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n) logs into the workspace managementprocessing system 16 to access a workspace, although other manners foraccessing a workspace can be used. If this is the first time an operatorat one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) or if the operator haseither not registered or completed registering before, the workspacemanagement processing system 16 prompts the operator through the one ofthe user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) to enter profile information asset forth in FIG. 4. In these embodiments, the profile informationentered and stored in memory in the workspace management system 16includes, but not limited to, personal user information such as name,address, email address, phone number, and categories of informationwhich are of interest, although other types and amounts of informationcan be obtained and/or entered and stored and this captured user profiledata can be stored at other locations.

In step 102, the workspace management system 16 initially provides adefault interactive workspace to the requesting one of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n), although other types and numbers ofworkspaces could be provided, such as one or more previously storedcustomized interactive workspaces associated with the one of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n). By way of example, a default interactiveworkspace is illustrated in FIG. 3.

In step 104, the workspace management system 16 determines whether therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would like tosearch for one or more condensed information objects to select forinclusion in the default interactive workspace. If in step 104 theworkspace management system 16 determines the requesting one of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n) would not like to search for one or morecondensed information objects to select for inclusion in the defaultinteractive workspace, then the No branch is taken to step 120 wherethis method ends. By way of example only, the No branch may be takenwhen the requesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n)already has a customized interactive interface stored or does notdesired to generate one at this time. If in step 104 the workspacemanagement system 16 determines the requesting one of the user computingsystems 12(1)-12(n) would like to search for one or more condensedinformation objects to select for inclusion in the default interactiveworkspace, then the Yes branch is taken to step 106. In step 106, therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) enters one ormore search queries for information objects which are transmitted to theworkspace management processing system 16 to execute the search asillustrated in FIG. 5, although the requesting one of the user computingsystems 12(1)-12(n) or other types and numbers of systems and devicescould conduct the search.

In step 108, the workspace management processing system 16 receives andexecutes the one or more search queries in databases at one or more ofthe information provider systems 14(1)-14(n), although the workspacemanagement processing system 16 could search other types and numbers ofdatabases and other systems and devices, such as within its own memory22. The workspace management processing system 16 obtains the results ofthese searches and condenses each of the results into one or morecondensed information objects as illustrated in the list of searchresults for “apple” shown in FIG. 5, although the information objectscan be obtained in other manners, such as by retrieving them from memoryif previously generated. As discussed in greater detail earlier, aninformation object comprises a computer interface element that is avisual front to the underlying data that it represents and encapsulates.The information object visually represents the information or other dataas an independent user interface component that displays a basiccharacteristic, such as an attribute-like name, of the information itencapsulates.

In step 110, the workspace management processing system 16 generates anddisplays the one or more information objects resulting from the searchin the customized interactive workspace in a video game display formaton the display screen of the requesting one of the user computingsystems 12(1)-12(n). By way of example only, a screen shot of acustomized interactive workspace with information objects loaded in andentitled: “TECH PORTFOLIO”; “GASPARD”; “COCA-COLA”; “PEPSICO INC”;“MICROSOFT”; “DELL”; “APPLE”; “GOOGLE”; “NINTENDO”; “SONY”; “ELECTRONICARTS” and “ACTIVISION” is illustrated in FIG. 6, although other typesand numbers of information objects and other interactive headers couldbe populated into the customized interactive workspace.

In step 112, the workspace management processing system 16 queries therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) to determinewhether the desired information objects, in this particular examplecompany related information objects, are displayed on the customizedinteractive workspace. If in step 112 the workspace managementprocessing system 16 determines the desired information objects, in thisparticular example company related information objects, are notdisplayed, then the No branch is taken to step 118.

In step 118, the workspace management processing system 16 queries therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) to determinewhether to end any further searching. If in step 118 the workspacemanagement processing system 16 determines the requesting one of theuser computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would not like to end the search,then the No branch is taken back to step 106 as described earlier. If instep 118 the workspace management processing system 16 determines therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would like toend the search, then the Yes branch is taken back to step 120 where thisprocess ends.

If back in step 112 the workspace management processing system 16determines the desired information objects, in this particular examplecompany related information objects, are now all displayed, then the Yesbranch is taken to step 114. In step 114, the workspace managementsystem 16 provides the requesting one of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n) options for other items, such as application tools, featureoperations, real time communication systems, stock tickers, time zoneclocks, training session engagement icons, and training mastery levelindicators, by way of example only, although other types and numbers ofitems can be provided for selection and can be obtained and presented inother manners. The workspace management system 16 receives the selectionof any of these items from the requesting one of the user computingsystems 12(1)-12(n) and then generates displays any selected items inthe customized interactive workspace in a video game display format onthe display screen of the requesting one of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n). By way of example only, a screen shot of a customizedinteractive workspace with: “PROFILE”; “MASTER LEVEL”; “TOOL BAR”;“SEARCH BOX”: “BROWSER”; AND INFORMATION OBJECTS″ is illustrated in FIG.6, although other types and numbers of items could be entered. Next, themethod proceeds again to step 118 as described in greater detailearlier.

A method for interacting with information in a customized interactiveworkspace in a video game display graphical user interface formataccordance with embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7-16. Referring morespecifically to FIG. 7, in step 200 the workspace management processingsystem 16 provides the requesting one of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n) with one or more options of previously generated customizedinteractive workspaces associated with and stored for the requesting oneof the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n), although the customizedinteractive workspace could be stored at another location or can benewly generated each time. The workspace management processing system 16receives the request to either provide one of the stored customizedinteractive workspaces or to generate one by condensing and organizingsearch results as described earlier and provides this for display on adisplay system at the requesting one of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n).

In step 202, the workspace management processing system 16 receives,processes and displays the results of the requesting one of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n) selecting and using one or more actions orfeature operations on the customized interactive interface, although theaction and feature operation can be executed by other systems, such asthe requesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n). By way ofexample only, the workspace management processing system 16 couldreceive, process and display the result of an action in the exemplarycustomized interactive workspace to: move and select information objectsas illustrated in FIG. 8; organize information objects as illustrated inFIG. 9; and enter or open information objects as illustrated in FIGS.10A and 10B; group information objects together into lists asillustrated in FIG. 11; browse related information objects asillustrated in FIG. 12; and navigate the exemplary customizedinteractive workspace using a navigation map as illustrated in FIG. 13,although other numbers and types of action or feature operations, suchas changing graphics or fonts by way of example only, could be executed.

Moving and selecting information objects in the exemplary customizedinteractive workspace as illustrated in FIG. 8 allows an operator at oneof the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) to easily manipulate andinteract with any of the displayed information objects. Organizing theinformation objects in the exemplary customized interactive workspace asillustrated in FIG. 9 allows an operator at one of the user computingsystems 12(1)-12(n) to organize the information objects in whateverformat is most beneficial to the operator for the particular operationbeing carried out. By way of example only, an operator at one of theuser computing systems 12(1)-12(n) may open several interactivecustomized workspaces with different sets of information objects, suchas different investment technology sectors, which are organized insimilar manners to facilitate comprehension while navigation betweenworkspaces. Entering or otherwise opening information objects in theexemplary customized interactive workspace as illustrated in FIGS. 10Aand 10B allows an operator at one of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n) to see more detailed information stored under each of theopened condensed information objects. Grouping information objectstogether into lists as illustrated in FIG. 11 allows an operator at oneof the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) to arrange the informationobjects into subsets for further review, comparison and analysis.Browsing related information objects as illustrated in FIG. 12 allows anoperator at one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) to identifyother related information objects to a selected information object forfurther review, comparison and analysis. In these embodiments, theworkspace management processing system 16 searches for and identifiesrelated information objects to a selected information object based onone or more entered search terms, although related information objectscan be identified in other manners. By way of example only, the operatorat one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) may wish to compare the“MICROSOFT” information object to other related technology companies andlists as illustrated in FIG. 12. Navigating the exemplary customizedinteractive workspace using an overlaid navigation map as illustrated inFIG. 13 allows an operator at one of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n) to utilize the miniaturized navigation map in the right handcorner to more easily navigate the interactive customized workspace. Inthese embodiments, the navigation map illustrates a smaller map whichdivides the interactive customized workspace into six quadrants whichcan each be individually selected and enlarged for display andinteraction, although the navigation map divide up the customizedinteractive workspace into other numbers and types of sections and canprovide other types of navigation.

In step 204, once an action or feature operation has been executed, theworkspace management processing system 16 determines whether therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would like toselect and use another action or feature operation in the customizedinteractive workspace. If in step 204 the workspace managementprocessing system 16 determines the requesting one of the user computingsystems 12(1)-12(n) would like to select and use another action orfeature operation in the customized interactive workspace, then the Yesbranch is taken back to step 202 as described earlier. If in step 204the workspace management processing system 16 determines the requestingone of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would not like to selectand use another action or feature operation in the customizedinteractive workspace at this time, then the No branch is taken to step206.

In step 206, the workspace management processing system 16 receives,processes and displays the results of the requesting one of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n) selecting and using one or moreapplication tools on one or more information objects in the customizedinteractive interface. By way of example only, the workspace managementprocessing system 16 could receive, process and display the result of anaction to select and apply an application tool to one or more of theinformation objects as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, although othernumbers and types of action or feature operations, such as changinggraphics or fonts by way of example only, could be executed.Additionally, the workspace management processing system 16 couldprovide the requesting one of the user computing system 12(1)-12(n) withthe option of having the result of the action displayed as aninformation overlay, although the result could be provided in thecustomized interactive workspace in other manners.

In step 208, once an application tool has been executed, the workspacemanagement processing system 16 determines whether the requesting one ofthe user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would like to select and utilizeanother application tool in the customized interactive workspace. If instep 204 the workspace management processing system 16 determines therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would like toselect and use another analytic tool in the customized interactiveworkspace, then the Yes branch is taken back to step 206 as describedearlier. If in step 208 the workspace management processing system 16determines the requesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n)would not like to select and use another application tool in thecustomized interactive workspace at this time, then the No branch istaken to step 210.

In step 210, the workspace management processing system 16 determineswhether the requesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n)would like to engage and utilize the real time communication option inthe customized interactive workspace, although other types and numbersof communication systems which are engaged in other manners can be used.If in step 210 the workspace management processing system 16 determinesthe requesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would notlike to engage and utilize the communication option in the customizedinteractive workspace, then the No branch is taken back to step 216. Ifin step 210 the workspace management processing system 16 determines therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would like toengage and utilize the communication option in the customizedinteractive workspace, then the Yes branch is taken to step 212.

In step 212, the requesting one of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n) engages in a real-time communication using the communicationoption on the customized interactive workspace. By way of example only,the workspace management processing system 16 could receive, process anddisplay the result of the requesting one of the user computing systems12(1)-12(n) engaging and utilizing an instant messaging system asillustrated in FIG. 16.

In step 214, once the communication has been completed, the workspacemanagement processing system 16 determines whether the requesting one ofthe user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would like to engage in anothercommunication via the customized interactive workspace. If in step 214the workspace management processing system 16 determines the requestingone of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would like to engage inanother communication via the customized interactive workspace, then theYes branch is taken back to step 212 as described earlier. If in step214 the workspace management processing system 16 determines therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would not liketo engage in another communication via the customized interactiveworkspace, then the No branch is taken to step 216.

In step 216, the workspace management processing system 16 determineswhether the requesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n)would like to engage in training in the customized interactiveworkspace. If in step 216 the workspace management processing system 16determines the requesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n)would not like to engage in training in the customized interactiveworkspace, then the No branch is taken to step 220. If in step 216 theworkspace management processing system 16 determines the requesting oneof the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would not like to engage intraining in the customized interactive workspace, then the Yes branch istaken to step 218.

In step 218, the workspace management processing system 16 reviews thestored user profile and stored training result information and obtainsand provides training materials to the requesting one of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n) via the customized interactive workspace.The workspace management processing system 16 monitors the training andthen optionally tests the requesting one of the user computing system12(1)-12(n), although the testing can be conducted in other manners byother systems and devices. The results of the training are updated andstored by the workplace management processing system with the userprofile currently associated with the requesting one of the usercomputing systems 12(1)-12(n), although the results can be stored inother manners and locations.

In step 220, the workspace management processing system 16 determineswhether the requesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n)would like to continue using the customized interactive workspace. If instep 220 the workspace management processing system 16 determines therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would not liketo engage using the customized interactive workspace, then the No branchis taken to step 222 where this session of the method ends. If in step220 the workspace management processing system 16 determines therequesting one of the user computing systems 12(1)-12(n) would like tocontinue using the customized interactive workspace, then the Yes branchis taken to step 200 as described earlier.

In the above-described steps, once an action or feature operation hasbeen executed, the workspace management processing system 16 optionallycan update the associated user profile as a result of any informationobtained as a result of the action or feature operation and can adjustthe customized interactive workspace based on the update user profileinformation. By way of example only, if the action related to applyingan application tool to determine an average rate of return, theworkspace management processing system 16 could generate an item for thecustomized interactive interface which continually determined anddisplayed this rate of return.

Accordingly, as described and illustrated by the exemplary embodimentsherein the present invention provides a more effective method, computerreadable medium and system for interacting with for information in acustomized interactive workspace configured in a video game displayformat. For example, with the present invention financial information,such as in-depth information on stocks and mutual funds, is much easierto understand, manipulate, and analyze from within one single,integrated system in a video game display format. Additionally, thepresent invention provides this interaction with this information in amuch more intuitive and user friendly manner. As a result, with thepresent invention individuals are not only able to easily obtain andinteract with the non-video game based information they need, but aremotivated to do so because of the ease with which the present inventionpresents and makes this information visual and available to them.Further, the present invention provides a method for interacting withinformation that may include one or more of application tools thataffect and act upon objects, user-directed controls, full screengraphics, instant or real-time communication with peer computingsystems, information overlays, instant or real-time feedback, userprofiles, displayed performance results measured against metrics, and aunique and user friendly graphical user interface.

Having thus described the basic concept of the invention, it will berather apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detaileddisclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and isnot limiting. Various alterations, improvements, and modifications willoccur and are intended to those skilled in the art, though not expresslystated herein. These alterations, improvements, and modifications areintended to be suggested hereby, and are within the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Additionally, the recited order of processing elements orsequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designationstherefore, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any orderexcept as may be specified in the claims. Accordingly, the invention islimited only by the following claims and equivalents thereto.

1. A method for providing an interactive information workspace, the method comprising: obtaining at a workspace management processing system a selection of one or more condensed information objects and one or more of application tools; and providing at the computing system a customized interactive workspace for non-video game based information in a video game display graphical user interface format from the workspace management processing system based on a default interactive customizable workspace populated with the selected one or more condensed information objects and one or more application tools, the customized interactive workspace is configured to enable at least one of the one or more application tools to interact with at least one of the one or more condensed information objects from within the customized interactive workspace and the customized interactive workspace. 2-90. (canceled) 